You can almost hear the sound of screeching as the world literally comes to an abrupt halt. Just like that…we’re in lock-down mode because of the corona virus. And for many of us, it’s the first time in as long as we can remember where the calendar is blank and the hours are plentiful.

But, here’s the thing, we’re not used to time and we don’t know how to deal with our thoughts without the myriad of distractions that come with modern-day living. We are activity junkies and most of us are just starting to suffer from withdrawal.

I’ve had a few days to reflect and I believe that we’ve been given a golden opportunity to reclaim some meaningful connections and there is not one excuse standing in our way…no social obligations, no sporting events, no dinners out.

Today, I’m sharing my plan for making meaningful connections over the next few weeks. Hopefully, this will inspire you to find productive ways to utilize this time for more than binge-watching Netflix programs; although there’s plenty of time for that too!

Make Meaningful Connections

God

– If you don’t already have one, use this time to establish a habit of daily quiet times for Bible reading and prayer.

– Read through the New Testament. YouVersion has a mobile app with a variety of reading plans to help keep you organized and motivated.

– Make a list of goals and growth opportunities and then, begin praying through them on a daily basis

– Choose an inspirational book or bible study to read through with a friend. Set up regular times for online chats to discuss what God is saying to you.

Family

– Schedule regular group video chats with your family members. Look through your photo albums/digital files and plan to pull out some pics to laugh over and reminisce.

Friends

– Make a list of at least 5 friends who you have not spoken too in more than a year. Contact them via social media and plan a video call. If it’s a friend from years gone by, take the time to search for old yearbooks and pictures that you can share during your call.

Those Without Hope

– Choose 5 friends who you know don’t have the same relationship with God as you do. Reach out to them in a message and let them know that God put them on your heart and you are praying for them.

– Post encouraging things on social media. This is your opportunity to offer hope in a time of uncertainty. Share what you are learning about God and yourself.

Those Who Are Hurting

– Determine practical ways to extend generosity to someone in need. People are hurting financially and many have lost their complete incomes in light of the shutdown. How can you be God’s hand extended in a real, practical way.

• Make contact with your pastor or church administrator and ask if they know of people in your church who currently have no income because of the shut-down.
• Contact your stylist, nail tech or personal trainer and offer to pay them even though you are not using their services.

– Use social media as a prayer journal. Take time to pray for people who are voicing needs or uncertainty during this time.

Even before this virus hit, you may have questioned the state of our world and the degeneration of moral values.  You may have wondered how you could ever find common ground with people who don’t know Jesus as you do. In fact, you may have prayed for ways to make a difference.

Now, here we all sit in the same boat; sharing the exact same uncertainties and restrictions. This is the opportunity you have prayed for.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15

This is a new day and a new challenge for all of us, but we are not alone. We have the resident presence of the Holy Spirit and we have a community of believers. It’s time to call on that community for encouragement in the face of the unknown and it’s a golden opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships.

~ Shellie

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